Ayomide Awe
Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) were allegedly dispersed with teargas by police officers during a protest at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) office in Abeokuta.
The students had gathered at the IBEDC facility to protest prolonged and erratic electricity supply affecting student hostels and surrounding residential areas largely occupied by MAPOLY students.
The demonstration was organized by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) to demand immediate and sustainable solutions to the persistent power outage, which students say has disrupted academic activities and daily living.
According to information gathered, the protest started peacefully but later descended into chaos following the intervention of security operatives. Witnesses alleged that police officers deployed to the scene fired teargas to disperse the students.
Videos circulating on social media appear to capture the moment teargas was released, showing students running from the area, a development that has further raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel during the protest.
A student participant said the demonstrators posed no threat before the police action. The student explained that the protest was meant to formally lodge complaints over weeks of power outage in their communities.
“We went there peacefully because there has been no light for weeks. Suddenly, teargas was fired at us,” the student said.
The incident has attracted widespread criticism from students and members of the public, many of whom condemned the alleged use of force against unarmed protesters demanding access to basic amenities such as electricity.
As at the time of filing this report, neither the management of IBEDC nor the Ogun State Police Command had issued an official statement on the protest or the alleged use of teargas on MAPOLY students.
